Mayor Of The Block

I was thinking of a recent Bucktown biting when I moved into the street to avoid an unleashed dog and a tall woman with gray hair and dark skin.

I’ve often seen her holding court on the corners with other dog-walkers. They always have theirs on leashes, and she usually has a red leash draped over neck. I lowered my head and resolved to say nothing.

“Goood morn-ing!” she said as I passed.

I didn’t want to seem rude. I also didn’t want to ignore the obvious. “Why is your dog off its leash?” I said.

“So she can walk next to me,” said this woman.

I frowned. “Is the law different for you?” I said.

She took some time before she responded. “It is,” she eventually said.

“It is?”

“It is,” she said again, “have a good day.”

I laughed. “You too,” I said.

The next time I saw her, she had the red leash around her neck and her dog behind her. I moved into the street, kept my head down, and said nothing even when she greeted me again.